Keeneland September Concludes First Week with Record-Breaking Figures

The opening session of the sale wrapped up with double-digit gains across all key metrics and a market depth that thrilled both organizers and consignors

Thursday’s top price went to another Gun Runner colt / JUAN I. BOZZELLO

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (Special for Turf Diario).- The 82nd edition of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale wrapped up its first week on Thursday with simply remarkable results, setting a new benchmark in the history of the world’s most influential auction. After four sessions, cumulative sales totaled $307,639,000, highlighted by a record 53 yearlings selling for seven figures or more.

Thursday’s fourth session saw 233 yearlings sell for $77,752,000, a 23.3% increase over last year. New highs were also set for average price ($333,700, +14.3%) and median ($275,000, +10%). In that context, it was no surprise that five yearlings brought over seven figures, led by a Gun Runner colt purchased for $1,550,000 by M. V. Magnier and Peter Brant (White Birch Farm). The dark bay, consigned by Four Star Sales, is out of the stakes winner Twenty Carat(Into Mischief) and hails from the family of Breeders’ Cup champions Shared Account (Pleasantly Perfect) and Sharing (Speightstown).

“This market is a little surreal. It’s been consistent, with a great atmosphere. The money kept coming right through the end, and there’s a very positive feeling heading into Book 3,” summarized Tony Lacy, Keeneland’s Vice President of Sales.

The impact was confirmed by Cormac Breathnach, Senior Director of Sales Operations: “We sold 31 more horses than last year and the total increased by $55 million. Today’s top 15 went to 13 different buyers, by 12 different sires and from 11 consignors. That depth is what gives confidence for what’s coming next.”

Thursday also featured other highlights: Mayberry Farm paid $1,400,000 for a first-crop colt by the superstar Flightline, bred by Dixiana Farms and a full brother to G1 winner Express Train (Union Rags). Another standout price was $1,350,000, paid by Richard Drake for a Not This Time colt out of the G3-winning Definitive (Tapit), consigned by Taylor Made for Summer Wind Equine.

Taylor Made Sales Agency led the session, selling 32 yearlings for $10,615,000, and also topped the week with 108 yearlings for $46,815,000. Among buyers, Flying Dutchmen was prominent, purchasing five yearlings for $3,745,000, including a first-crop colt by Life Is Good for $1,250,000, a maternal sibling to multiple G1 winner Tarabi (First Samurai).

“When you buy horses, they’re all undefeated, so it’s hard not to get excited. This colt has everything to be special. He cost a little more than we expected, but if you want quality horses in the barn, you have to invest seriously,” explained Hunter Rankin of Flying Dutchmen.

Looking at the first week overall, the top price came on Monday with a Gun Runner colt that brought $3,300,000 to Magnier/White Birch/Winchell. The Candy Ride grandson dominated the sire statistics, placing 12 seven-figure yearlings and averaging $932,917 from 36 offspring.

Another standout was Mike Repole, the week’s most active buyer, acquiring 31 yearlings for $13,975,000.

With its first four days complete, Keeneland September showcased unprecedented vitality, reflecting an increasingly deep, competitive, and diverse international market. As Lacy summed up: “It’s a healthy, fun environment with energy in every corner of the grounds. Everything you could want from the world’s premier auction.”